The China-Europe (Xiamen) Freight Train to Moscow, Russia. [Photo/Wechat account of Xiamen FTZ]

As the first international freight train route originating from a pilot free trade zone and participating in the China-Europe Secure and Smart Trade Line Pilot Program, the China-Europe (Xiamen) Freight Train has achieved significant results. Under the supervision of Xiamen Customs, a total of 33 trains transported 980 containers, weighing 5604.71 metric tons in January and February. This marks a year-on-year increase of 200 percent, 46.71 percent, and 18.03 percent respectively.

Since its inauguration on Aug 16, 2015, the China-Europe (Xiamen) Freight Train has expanded from a single route to seven operational routes, covering over 30 cities in 13 Belt and Road countries. 

Leveraging its strategic geographical and favorable policies, the train has established an international logistics corridor connecting Europe and Asia, facilitating trade with Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries. It has also played a key role in the integration of the Maritime Silk Road and the Silk Road Economic Belt.

As of the end of February, the China-Europe (Xiamen) Freight Train had operated 1,369 trains, transporting 118,100 containers worth 35.05 billion yuan ($4.85 billion).

To ensure smooth customs clearance, Xiamen Customs leverages the new customs clearance system that enables the seamless "arrival, inspection, release, and transfer" of goods. This system supports intelligent supervision, one-stop inspection and release, and digital customs clearance. Additionally, Xiamen Customs is actively developing and implementing new customs clearance operation models such as "sea-rail intermodal transport, port-area linkage, and unmanned operations."

Xiamen Customs officials inspect the cargo of the China-Europe (Xiamen) Freight Train. [Photo/Wechat account of Xiamen FTZ]